Vintage jewelry and antique
jewelry is often of timeless, unsurpassed
beauty and on occasion it can be whimsical in nature,
but most of all it is unique. It is a piece of
history and many times leaves us to ponder the
lifetime of its previous owners. It is these
extraordinary characteristics that have attracted
many of us to vintage and antique jewelry, along with
exceptional quality that endures the test of time. It
is the best of these glorious treasures that we have
diligently hand-selected to satisfy almost any
jewelry desire.

As you embark on your jewelry journey, please
remember to let us know if you do not find exactly
what you are seeking. Because our vintage and antique
jewelry inventory frequently changes, that very item
may not be featured yet. Besides, we would love to
hear from you.

Thank you for visiting our site,

Jennifer Lynn

Current Extras in Vintage and Antique
Jewelry
Cut Steel Jewelry and Adornments
3/25/2007

Cathy Gordon Collection

Cut steel jewelry and adornments have a
beauty all of their own and the appreciation for these
spectacular pieces continues to grow in the collectible
market. Cut steel flourished towards the end of the
18th century into the early 19th century. The sparkle,
shine and glimmer of the highly polished faceted steel
are what made these jewels so popular. Cut steel was
used in shoe clips, buckles, bracelets, necklaces,
earrings, brooches, chatelaines and hair combs. Most
commonly found today are the shoe clips and
buckles.

These pieces are sometimes mistaken for
marcasite which is iron pyrite. Unlike marcasite
jewelry, cut steel studs are attached by rivets. These
rivets can be seen on the back. Marcasites are mostly
glued or bead set usually in silver or sterling
silver.

Cut steel is not marked and no advertisements or trade
catalogs have been found so dating can be imprecise.
Comparison to other fashion trends and styles during a
period of time can sometimes provide a clue as to when
a piece was made.